CineMedia, BVI ink distrib deal for German-lingo areas
Gibson's 'Women' first pic released under new pact
BVI Germany will release future CineMedia acquisitions and co-productions in the German speaking territories, kicking off with the Mel Gibson starrer “What Women Want.”
That pic came as part of a 16 title pickup made at Mifed last fall that marked the emergence of yet another IPO-backed, power-hungry licensing player in CineMedia.
“After the purchase of our first package of Hollywood feature films, we have in a short time taken the second step in establishing ourselves in the growing market of licensing and co-productions,” said CineMedia chairman Wolfgang Grass.
The CineMedia agreement is the latest in a series of output deals signed between IPO-backed upstarts and the majors as companies seek distribution for the hoards of product acquired on the back of stock coin.
Helkon deal
BVI has a “give and take” deal with Helkon Media, which is using the major’s muscle to release mainstream pics acquired through recent U.S. deals.
“Skulls,” Helkon’s first title to filter through from Beverly Hills-based boutique financier Newmarket Capital, in which Helkon acquired a 19% stake this year, will be released here via BVI.
Warner Bros. and Fox have both signed 60 picture distribution pacts with Barry Baeres’ Intertainment, a licensing company holding output deals with Franchise Pictures and David Kirkpatrick’s Original Voices. Fox and local arthouse distrib Prokino recently signed a similar co-production/distribution pact.
